KOSPI fueled by red-hot SK hynix continues record rally; Asian stocks higher early Tuesday SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - South Korean and Japanese shares extended gains on Tuesday, buoyed by red-hot semiconductor and energy stocks, sending a ripple effect across broader Asian markets. The benchmark KOSPI climbed 2 percent to 3,890, inching closer to the symbolic four-digit threshold. SK hynix continued its scorching run, breaching 500,000 won ($ 351.60), as investors piled in amid growing fear of missing out (FOMO) on a sustained memory chip rally. “SK hynix shares are flying on FOMO among chip investors amid evident tightening in the DRAM supply chain,” said Ryu Hyung-keun, a researcher at Daishin Securities. Analysts expect the global DRAM shortage to deepen as high-end fabs pivot toward high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and other advanced chips. Even with new facility investments, installation of production equipment such as extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tools takes at least six months — a lag that could push DRAM prices up 15–20 percent in the fourth quarter from the July–September period. Nuclear and EV suppliers gain Nuclear-equipment stocks surged after reports that Seoul and Washington are renegotiating their nuclear accord to allow Korea to enrich and reprocess nuclear fuel. KEPCO KPS jumped 4.4 percent to 52,300 won (US$36.83), while Doosan Enerbility rose 1.7 percent to 81,700 won. EV supply-chain names also rallied following upbeat results from U.S. electric-vehicle makers. LG Energy Solution advanced 3.4 percent to 447,000 won, and Samsung Electronics edged up 1.4 percent to 99,600 won, approaching the symbolic 100,000-won milestone. LG Innotek, a key Apple camera-module supplier, soared 5.6 percent to 227,000 won on expectations of solid iPhone earnings. Regional markets upbeat Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.2 percent to 49,760, extending gains for a second session as investors welcomed easing political uncertainty ahead of the ruling-party vote widely expected to confirm Sanae Takaichi — known for her pro-monetary-easing stance — as the next prime minister. Semiconductor-related stocks led the rally, with Advantest, a major chip-testing-equipment maker, climbing 3 percent to 18,000 yen (about 170,000 won). On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index inched up 0.2 percent to 3,870, stabilizing after weaker-than-expected third-quarter growth data. Investors are now focused on the Chinese Communist Party’s Fourth Plenum, which runs through Thursday. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced 1.4 percent to 26,215, lifted by technology and platform stocks, while Taiwan’s TAIEX added 0.6 percent to 27,850. 2025-10-21 11:25:46

HD Hyundai chairman to outline vision for global shipbuilding at APEC forum SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Jeong Ki-sun, chairman of South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai, will present his vision for the future of global shipbuilding at the Future Tech Forum, a side event of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju. The company said Monday that Jeong will deliver a keynote address at the forum, which brings together industry leaders, government officials, and scholars to discuss emerging industrial and technological trends. Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Shipbuilding,” the forum will explore ways to advance the maritime industry through innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration. Jeong is expected to highlight HD Hyundai’s initiatives in artificial intelligence, decarbonization, and manufacturing technology, while also proposing new directions for global defense cooperation in shipbuilding. Key partners, including Huntington Ingalls Industries, Anduril, the American Bureau of Shipping, Siemens, and Persona AI, are scheduled to join the discussions. Topics will range from AI-driven production and digital transformation to the evolving landscape of maritime defense and Korea-U.S. strategic cooperation in the shipbuilding sector. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-21 10:44:36

Remains of South Korean student tortured to death in Cambodia return home SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - The remains of a South Korean college student, who traveled to Cambodia after being lured by an online employment scam in August and was later found to have been tortured to death, were returned home on Tuesday. The cremated ashes of the student in his 20s, identified only by his surname Park, arrived on a Korean Air flight at Incheon International Airport at 8:04 a.m., about some 74 days after he was found dead on Aug. 8 in the Southeast Asian country. A joint autopsy on his body, conducted by South Korean and Cambodian investigators and forensic experts, took place earlier this week after it had been kept at a temple in Phnom Penh since his death. The three-hour autopsy there found no signs of external or internal injuries, but further investigations including drug tests will be conducted to determine the exact cause of his death before the remains are handed over to his family. Park had told his family on July 17 that he was attending an expo before traveling to Cambodia. He was later confined and tortured in a local crime area known as "Wench," and his body, showing signs of torture, was found in a car in Kampot Province on Aug. 8. His death has belatedly revealed a series of online job scams and phishing schemes targeting South Korean citizens, which often involve kidnappings, detentions, and brutal torture by sprawling criminal rings in Cambodia, prompting the government to send a task force there last week. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-21 10:38:35

IFEZ draws $553.5 million in FDI in Q3, reaching 92.3% of annual goal SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - The Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) announced that foreign direct investment (FDI) declarations in the third quarter of 2025 reached $553.5 million, achieving 92.3 percent of its yearly target. Following $494.7 million in the first half, an additional $58.8 million was reported in the third quarter, pushing total declarations close to the full-year goal. IFEZ reported strong results in its key strategic sectors, particularly bio and semiconductor industries. Major investments declared earlier in the year included Sartorius Korea Operations ($250 million), Lotte Biologics ($28.7 million), TOK Advanced Materials ($24.6 million), renewable energy firm Orsted ($119.6 million), and retail developer Costco Cheongna ($61.4 million). In the third quarter, Starfield Cheongna joined with a $52.5 million declaration. Actual FDI inflows reached $391.2 million—112 percent of the annual goal of $350 million and more than 2.8 times the previous year's figure. Since its establishment, IFEZ has accumulated a total of $16.72 billion in declared FDI. Despite global economic uncertainty, trade tensions, and political instability at home and abroad, IFEZ attributed the steady growth to its active investor relations efforts and the continuous expansion of infrastructure supporting foreign residents and businesses. Maintaining its annual targets of $600 million in FDI declarations and $350 million in inflows, IFEZ has set out the "2025 Comprehensive Investment Promotion Plan," focusing on three main pillars: the medical and bio industry, advanced and strategic industries such as semiconductors, and tourism, leisure, and cultural content. Commissioner Yun Won-sok said he expects IFEZ to surpass $600 million in FDI declarations for the second consecutive year. "Large-scale investment projects in bio and semiconductor sectors are progressing, and we are seeing tangible results from the K-Con Land initiative led by the U.S.-based Kessler Group, aimed at building an Asian version of Hollywood," he said. 2025-10-21 10:36:59

Korean Air partners with US startup to develop vertical takeoff, landing aircraft SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Korean Air said Tuesday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S.-based startup Archer Aviation to jointly develop advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft. The agreement, signed Monday at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025, outlines plans to adapt Archer’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, known as Midnight, for government and defense applications. The model is designed for rapid personnel and cargo transport in short-range missions. Under the partnership, Korean Air will contribute its expertise in aircraft modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul — capabilities that could help accelerate the integration of eVTOL technology into both civilian and military operations. “This agreement is a significant step in securing next-generation aviation mobility technology for both civilian and military use,” said Lim Jin-kyu, head of Korean Air’s Aerospace Business Division. “We will work closely with Archer to meet the practical needs of our government and contribute to the development of the domestic aviation industry.” Archer Chief Executive Adam Goldstein called Korean Air “an ideal partner with aerospace expertise and strategic vision,” adding that the collaboration could produce “an AAM solution optimized for Korea.” The deal underscores growing interest among South Korean companies in electric and autonomous flight systems as governments worldwide race to commercialize AAM services. For Korean Air, the partnership signals a diversification beyond traditional aviation into emerging defense and mobility technologies that could define the next era of air transport. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-21 10:13:43

Washington eases stance on upfront cash demand, trade minister says SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Washington is no longer pressing for a lump-sum cash payment for Seoul's pledge of a major investment in the U.S., which was agreed to in return for lowering reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent, a South Korean trade chief said on Monday. Upon returning from his visit to the U.S., Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan said the two sides had narrowed differences in the ongoing tariff-related talks including details on how to fulfill and finance the investment pledge, with Washington stepping back from its demand for an all-cash, upfront payment. "We are making last-minute efforts to find a range that would be acceptable South Korea, where I'll be meeting..... Xi, we worked out a very fair deal, and I expect we'll probably work out a very fair deal" with China, Trump said, adding, "It's going to be a great trade deal. It's going to be fantastic for both countries, and it's going to be fantastic for the entire world." But it remains to be seen whether such a deal will be reached during the summit, as Beijing has yet to officially announce Xi's trip to South Korea, while Trump will make a brief stop here following a longer stay in Tokyo. 2025-10-21 09:47:48

OPINION: Coupang can't build Korea's AI future alone SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Artificial intelligence is fast becoming the engine of global economic growth. According to Precedence Research, the global AI market is projected to expand from 1,033 trillion won this year to more than 5,020 trillion won — about $3.68 trillion — by 2034. That figure is seven times South Korea’s annual budget and roughly half the size of the United States’ federal spending. Against this backdrop, South Korea has set its sights on becoming a “sovereign AI” nation — one capable of developing and operating its own artificial intelligence technologies and infrastructure without depending heavily on foreign systems. The government has positioned itself as the “control tower,” coordinating policy and resources, while the private sector — the “playmakers” — are expected to drive innovation, exports and global competitiveness. But despite this ambitious vision, South Korea remains behind in the race to cultivate AI "unicorns" — startups valued at over 1 trillion won. Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, more than 100 AI unicorns have emerged worldwide. Two-thirds are based in the United States, followed by China and the United Kingdom. Tech giants like Nvidia and Google have invested in nearly half of them. Today, there are 498 AI unicorns globally — but few in South Korea. Amid this shortfall, Coupang, one of the country’s largest e-commerce companies, has announced a significant investment aimed at nurturing domestic AI startups. In partnership with the government’s “Next Unicorn Project,” Coupang plans to create a 150 billion won AI fund, contributing 75 billion won of its own capital. The fund will provide over 10 billion won each to 14 domestic AI firms, with the goal of accelerating Korea’s AI innovation ecosystem. Coupang’s move is a rare bright spot in an otherwise underfunded sector. In 2024, South Korea’s private AI investment totaled just $1.3 billion — barely 1 percent of the $109 billion poured into AI by U.S. companies. Despite the inherent risks, Coupang sees AI as indispensable to national competitiveness, echoing calls from policymakers for deeper private-sector involvement. Other tech and financial firms have also increased their AI spending, but a broader base of investors is needed to sustain momentum. A single company’s effort, no matter how bold, cannot transform an entire industry. Building a vibrant AI ecosystem will require collaboration among corporations, universities, and startups — as well as a policy environment that rewards long-term innovation over short-term profit. For a nation grappling with a shrinking population and slowing productivity, AI is not merely a technological pursuit but an economic necessity. Becoming an “AI powerhouse” will depend on more than government ambition; it will require a private sector willing to take risks, invest deeply, and think globally. South Korea’s future competitiveness may hinge on whether its entrepreneurs — not just its policymakers — are ready to lead the next wave of intelligence. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-21 09:47:10

OPINION: Pragmatic path to Korean reunification SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - During a recent parliamentary audit of the Ministry of Unification, Minister Chung Dong-young introduced what he called the “peaceful two-state theory” — a framework for institutionalizing coexistence between South and North Korea as a step toward eventual unification. The proposal, though easily misunderstood, seeks not to legitimize division but to manage it prudently. At its core, the theory rests on three principles. First, it does not constitute legal recognition of North Korea as a sovereign state. Second, it does not renounce the goal of unification. And third, it seeks to promote practical exchanges and cooperation to build trust and reduce tensions. Chung described this as consistent with the “special provisional relationship” defined by South Korea’s Constitution — a transitional arrangement in which the two Koreas, though divided, are bound by the shared objective of reunification. The reality is that both are members of the United Nations and participate separately in international affairs, yet their engagement remains limited to joint declarations and inter-Korean agreements rather than formal diplomatic ties. History offers a compelling precedent. West Germany, while refusing to recognize East Germany as a separate nation, nonetheless engaged in exchanges and cooperation that gradually narrowed the divide. Under the German Basic Law, East Germany was considered part of the national territory — a legal principle that allowed Bonn to pursue unification without relinquishing its constitutional stance. That pragmatic engagement exposed East Germans to the prosperity and freedoms of the West, ultimately helping to bring down the Berlin Wall. Similarly, South Korea’s peaceful two-state approach should be viewed not as a departure from constitutional principles, but as a realistic strategy to expand channels of communication and cooperation. The German example challenges Seoul to balance legal orthodoxy with practical engagement — to decide whether strict adherence to legal definitions serves peace, or whether flexible pragmatism might bring the peninsula closer to unity. This is not a concession to Pyongyang’s hostility but a deliberate, strategic effort to shape conditions for dialogue. More than three decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Korean Peninsula remains one of the last vestiges of the Cold War. The time may have come to create a reality that better reflects the future South Koreans wish to build — one where coexistence paves the way to unification. The upcoming APEC summit could provide an early opportunity to test this approach. For both Koreas, it would be a chance to begin turning symbolic gestures into substantive steps toward peace. About the author -Researcher at the World Economy Institute, University of Bremen, Germany -Director of the North Korean Economy Research Center, Korea Institute for National Unification. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-21 08:56:24

Asian markets rise on hopes of pro-stimulus government in Japan SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - Asian equities advanced on Monday, lifted by optimism that Japan may soon usher in a pro-stimulus government — a prospect that helped counterbalance mixed economic signals from China and cautious sentiment across the region. In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI index gained 1.3 percent, supported by renewed optimism over a tariff deal with Washington and resilient semiconductor exports. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ also edged higher, though gains were more muted, as investors selectively bought shares of exporters and technology firms. In China, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.7 percent after the government reported third-quarter growth of 4.8 percent year-over-year, slightly above expectations. Industrial production also exceeded forecasts, rising 6.5 percent. Yet, persistent weakness in the property sector and sluggish consumer confidence tempered the market’s advance. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbed 2.5 percent, buoyed by improved risk appetite amid easing U.S.–China trade tensions and optimism over Japan’s political outlook. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 3 percent to a new high after reports that the ruling coalition had secured enough support to pave the way for Sanae Takaichi to become prime minister. Investors interpreted the development as a sign that Tokyo would maintain — or even expand — its fiscal and monetary stimulus measures, reinforcing confidence across regional markets. 2025-10-20 17:46:00

Cambodia scam networks and Korean deaths expose youth struggles at home SEOUL, October 20 (AJP) - The murder of a South Korean student kidnapped for forced crime in Cambodia has shocked the nation — and exposed the hidden world of young Koreans trapped in Southeast Asia's online-scam networks. The body of a 22-year-old university student, surnamed Park, was found near Bokor Mountain in southern Cambodia in early August after his family received a ransom call. Cambodian police later arrested several Chinese nationals suspected of running the online fraud compound where Park had been held. Seoul dispatched investigators and conducted a joint autopsy to determine the cause of death. Data suggest Park's case is far from isolated. According to the Ministry of Justice, the number of South Koreans who traveled to Cambodia but never returned has surged from just 113 in 2021 to 3,209 in 2022, 2,662 in 2023, and 3,248 in 2024. As of August this year, 864 travelers remained unaccounted for. The spike mirrors a wider regional phenomenon. Similar trafficking, scam, and illegal-gambling operations have surfaced across Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and the Philippines. South Korean dramas such as Taxi Driver 2 have even depicted the brutal scam compounds exploiting foreign workers. "This isn't just about Cambodia," said a South Korean businessman who has worked in the Philippines for 15 years. "After Manila tightened its crackdown, many groups simply moved to Cambodia. Some still operate under the radar in the Philippines." Public outrage deepened after a recording surfaced of Park pleading with his family during ransom negotiations. The government reacted belatedly — sending senior diplomats to Phnom Penh, summoning the Cambodian ambassador on Oct. 10, imposing a travel ban on high-risk areas on Oct. 16, and performing a joint autopsy. "The government's response began only after the media coverage," said Lee Man-jong, honorary professor of police and law at Howon University. "By the time investigators arrived, the suspects were gone. It’s a classic case of policy catching up to outrage." Washington's latest Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report kept Cambodia at Tier 3, the lowest ranking, citing official complicity in online-scam trafficking. It found senior Cambodian officials had “financially benefited from the forced criminality and forced labor of victims." Experts warn the tragedy reflects deeper domestic woes. The youth unemployment rate hovers around 5 percent this year, according to KOSIS. Economic insecurity and temporary jobs continue to drive many young people to seek quick overseas opportunities. Many victims are unemployed young Koreans, lured by social-media ads for "high-paying overseas part-time jobs." "In Europe and the U.S., AI systems automatically flag job posts linked to trafficking, and platforms that fail to do so face legal consequences,” Lee noted. “That’s prevention-based governance — and it’s time we adopt it.” 2025-10-20 17:41:33